September 29, 2009 at
4:30 PM

Another day, another relief pitcher added to the expanded Boston active roster. According to Chad Finn of Boston.com, Pawtucket closer Fernando Cabrera is the latest call-up in what has already been a busy September for the Red Sox. For Cabrera, this will be his second stint in the Major Leagues this season. In 4 appearances for Boston, the 27-year-old right-hander allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 in his 4.0 innings of work. At Pawtucket this season, Cabrera served as the team's closer, racking up 22 saves and 51 strikeouts in 52.2 innings while pitching to a 1.71 ERA. He limited Triple-A hitters to just 40 hits, only 3 of which were home runs, and took home Pawtucket Pitcher of the Year honors for his efforts. A veteran of parts of six Major League seasons for Cleveland, Baltimore and Boston, Cabrera is a career 8-7 with a 5.00 ERA in 129 big league appearances.

To make room for Cabrera on the 40-man roster, first baseman / left fielder Aaron Bates was called up and immediately placed on the 60-day disabled list with a left ankle sprain. The 25-year-old right-handed hitter split 2009 between Portland and Pawtucket, putting up combined .268/.337/.391 totals with 23 doubles, 12 home runs, and 57 RBI in 478 at-bats. Bates also saw some brief Major League action this season, hitting .364/.417/.545 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI in 11 at-bats for Boston.